Phytochemical Composition of the Fruit of Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Cultivars Grown in the Collection of the National Botanic Garden of Latvia

In this study, we conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols and triterpenoids in samples of introduced and bred large cranberry fruits from the collection of the National Botanic Garden of Latvia. The highest total anthocyanin levels (8638-9316 mu g/g) were detected in the fruit samples of the cranberry cultivars 'Black Veil', 'Franclin' and 'Early Black'. The highest total proanthocyanidin levels (2775-3389 mu g/g) were found in cranberries of cultivars 'Kalnciema Agra', 'Kalnciema Tumsa', 'Searles', 'Howes', and 'Kalnciema Raziga'. The highest levels of flavonol compounds (1373-1402 mu g/g) were detected in cranberries of cultivars 'Howes', 'Black Veil' and 'Salaspils Melnas'. The highest levels of triterpenoids (5292-5792 mu g/g) were determined in cranberries of cultivars 'Kalnciema Agra', 'Septembra', 'Dzbruklene' and 'Early Black'. The results of our study allow for the estimation of differences in the content of secondary metabolites in the fruit samples of the studied cranberry cultivars and for the selection of promising cultivars for further introduction and cultivation in the climatic conditions of the Baltic countries. These results are also important for the selection of the most promising cranberry cultivars for the preparation of cranberry raw material, and the high-quality composition of plant material ensures the effectiveness of cranberry supplements and other cranberry preparations.

Automated summary

In this study, the content of secondary metabolites in introduced and bred large cranberry fruits were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The highest levels of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and triterpenoids were found in different cranberry cultivars. These results are important for cultivar selection, cranberry raw material preparation, and the effectiveness of cranberry supplements and preparations.